Day Manual - Wisconsin Elections Commission · 2020. 9. 20. · Election Day. Each polling place...

forWisconsin Election Officials

ElectionDay

Manual

September 2020

Wisconsin Elections Commission

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Table of Contents

General Information 1-6

Table of Contents 1

Introduction 5

Election Day Contacts 6

Qualifications for Election Officials 7-14

Municipal Clerks 7

Election Inspectors 9

Chief Election Inspectors 10

Election Registration Officials (EROs) 11

Special Voting Deputies (SVDs) 11

Greeters and Tabulators 12

Oaths of Office 13

Frequently Asked Questions 13

Pre-Election Preparations 15-31

Preparing to Serve 15

Polling Place Set-Up 17


Polling Place Checklist 31

Electors 33-77

Voter Qualifications 33

Recording Voters 38

Election Day Registration 43

Voter Registration Application (EL-131) 44

Proof of Residence 51

Electronic Proof of Residence 53

Ineligible Voter List 54

Issuing Ballots and Voting 56

Proof of Identification 57

Confidential Electors 62

License Surrender 63

Assisting Electors 63

Common Sense and Common Courtesy 65

Curbside Voting 66

Provisional Voting 67

Challenging Electors 73


Election Day Manual September 2020

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Election Day Issues 79-89

Opening the Polls 79

Observers 79

Voter Cell Phones and Photography in Polling Area 85

Media 85

Polling Place Accessibility Assessments 86

Electioneering 86

Closing the Polls 88


Ballots 91-130

Absentee Ballots 91

Absentee Voters at the Polling Place 101

Processing Overvoted and Crossover Voted Ballots 103

Municipalities that do not allow Use of Override Function 103

Municipalities that allow Use of Override Function 106

Counting Ballots 108

Determining Voter Intent 115

Write-In Vote Scenarios 123

Documentation 131-140

Reconciling Poll Lists 131

Documenting Election Day 132

Municipal Board of Canvassers 134

Breaking a Tie in a Municipal Contest 135

Completing Forms 135

Routing Materials 137


Post-Election Checklist 140

Appendices

Glossary of Election Terms 141-148

Sample Forms 149-191

**All forms should be printed off WEC website for current version**

EL-101: Ballot Container Certificate 149

EL-102: Certificate of Rejected Absentee Ballots 150

EL-103: Used Certificate Envelopes of Absentee Electors 151

EL-104: Inspectors’ Statement 153

EL-104c: Challenge Documentation 157

EL-105: General Purpose Tally Sheet 161

EL-106: Board of Canvassers Statement 163

Sample Poll List 167


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EL-107: Supplemental Poll List 168

EL-107c: Poll List Certification 169

EL-108: Inspectors’ Certificate of Provisional Ballots 170

EL-109: Election Observer Log 171

Election Observer Rules-at-a-Glance 173

EL-110: Order to Leave the Polling Place 175

EL-119: Ineligible Voter Information Sheet 176

EL-122: Absentee Certificate Envelope 177

EL-122sp: Special Absentee Certificate Envelope 178

EL-123: Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelope 179

EL-123r: Provisional Ballot Reporting Form 180

EL-123is: Provisional Voting Information Sheet 181

EL-131: Voter Registration Application 183

EL-133: Certificate of Registration (Sample) 185

EL-141: Application for Presidential Ballot 187

EL-148: Identification Card of Protected Elector (Sample) 189

EL-154: Official Oath 190

Picture Guide: Acceptable Photo ID 191


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INTRODUCTION

Elections in Wisconsin are conducted at the local level. Responsibility falls

on election officials to ensure that every election is conducted in a manner

that is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.

Many changes have occurred in the way elections are conducted in the State

of Wisconsin over the past ten years. These changes have not been easy but

due to the dedication, patience, and hard-work of election officials at all

levels of government, we have transitioned well into the new requirements.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission aims to continue to administer

excellence in elections across Wisconsin. However, on Election Day it is up

to the local election officials to protect the integrity of the election process.

The Election Day manual was developed to serve as a comprehensive

reference to help election officials meet the challenges of Election Day. It is

our hope that you refer to it often and make use of the other resources cited

throughout the manual. As always, Elections Commission staff is here to

provide answers and advice to assist you in fulfilling your obligations to

ensure public confidence in the Wisconsin election process.


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ELECTION DAY CONTACTS

**COMPLETE THIS SECTION BEFORE ELECTION DAY**

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CLERK POLICE/SHERIFF/LAW ENFORCEMENT

__________________________________ Phone: ______________________________

__________________________________ BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Phone: ____________________________ Phone: ______________________________

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK OTHER:

__________________________________ Phone: ______________________________

__________________________________ OTHER:

Phone: ____________________________ Phone: ______________________________

WISCONSIN ELECTIONS COMMISSION

__________________________________

__________________________________

Phone: ____________________________


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QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTION OFFICIALS

Summary

An election official is defined as “an individual who is charged with any duties

relating to the conduct of an election.” Wis. Stat. § 5.02(4e). County, municipal,

and school district clerks are election officials, as are election inspectors, chief

inspectors, election registration officials (EROs), special voting deputies (SVDs),

tabulators, and greeters. Election officials perform a very important public service

by enhancing the high quality and integrity of our elections.

The sections below outline the different appointment and qualifications, duties, and

training requirements for each type of election official. The final section details

the requirement that all election officials take and file an oath prior to commencing

his or her duties.

Municipal Clerks

Appointment and Qualifications

Municipal clerks are elected by the voters or appointed to their positions by the

governing body of a given town, village, or city. For specific qualification and

residency requirements, consult your municipal attorney.

Duties

The municipal clerk’s election duties include, but are not limited to, supervision of

elections and voter registration in the municipality, equipping polling places,

purchasing and maintaining election equipment, preparing ballots and notices, and

conducting and tracking the training of other election officials. The municipal

clerk is responsible for conducting the election in his or her municipality.

Wis. Stat. § 7.15.

A municipal clerk may serve as an Election Registration Official and register

voters at the polling place on Election Day. In addition, a municipal clerk may

register voters in his or her office on Election Day if located within the same

building as the polling place with a resolution of the governing body.


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Training Requirement Under Wisconsin law, each municipal clerk must attend training sponsored by the

Wisconsin Elections Commission every two years. Wis. Stat. § 7.15(1m). In order

to comply with this training requirement, municipal clerks must obtain six hours of

training every two-year term, beginning January 1 of even-numbered years, and

ending on December 31 of odd-numbered years.

All clerks must be initially certified by attending the Municipal Clerk Core

Curriculum Training (MCT Core) course. Attending MCT Core certifies the clerk

to conduct elections in the current term. In order to recertify for the following

term, the clerk must attend at least six hours of Elections Commission-approved

continuing election education during the current term. (Attendance at MCT Core

counts three hours toward recertification for the following term.) Clerks always

need to earn a total of six hours during the current term to recertify for the

following term. EL 12.03(1), (2).

Clerks must report their election training and the number of hours to the WEC

using the Municipal Clerk Recertification Reporting Form which is available on

the WEC’s website. Training can also be entered directly into WisVote if the clerk

is a user of the WisVote system. Training not reported using the form or entered

by the clerk in WisVote will not be counted towards recertification hours.

Training “sponsored” by the WEC includes any training for municipal clerks that

the WEC approves. This includes, but is not limited to, trainings given by county

clerks, WEC clerk conference presentations, live or recorded webinar training

sessions and election security training A detailed list is available on the WEC

website. EL 12.03 (4), (5).

Related Materials The Election Administration manual details the duties and requirements for

municipal clerks. This manual is available on the agency website for download or

may be ordered for a small fee. The manual is issued to new municipal clerks

when they have completed the Municipal Clerk Core training class. Information

on recertification, as well as the Municipal Clerk Recertification Reporting Form,

is also available on the agency website.

Special note regarding election inspector appointments: It is the opinion of the

Commission that election inspectors may not serve at elections where they, their

spouse, or immediate family member is a candidate on the ballot or under other

circumstances where a candidate’s success or failure to win election would affect


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http://nxt.legis.state.wi.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&d=stats&jd=7.15(1m)http://gab.wi.gov/clerk/education-training/election-administration-manual

the election inspector financially. There may be other laws that specifically

prohibit certain individuals from serving as election inspectors. Clerks are

encouraged to check with their local municipal attorney if they have any questions

as to whether a given individual may serve.

Election Inspectors

Appointment and Qualifications Election inspectors, sometimes called “poll workers,” staff the polling place on

Election Day. Each polling place should have seven inspectors, although the

governing body may increase the number where more than one voting device is

used or polling places are combined or reduce the number by resolution. Under no

circumstances may there be less than three election inspectors. Wis. Stat. §

7.30(1)(a).

Election inspectors are appointed by the governing body. Nominations for election

inspectors are presented to the presiding officer of the governing body in

December of odd-numbered years. If lists of nominees are received from the two

dominant political parties before the November 30 of odd-numbered years

deadline, the election inspectors must be appointed from the lists. If no

nominations, or an insufficient number of names, are submitted, the board of

election commissioners shall appoint (or the mayor, president or chairperson of a

municipality may nominate) qualified electors of the municipality without regard

to party affiliation. The governing body appoints the inspectors for a two-year

term at either a regular meeting, or at a special meeting designed for that purpose,

before December 31 of odd-numbered years. Election inspector terms run from

January 1 of an even-numbered year through December 31 of the subsequent odd-

numbered year. Wis. Stat. § 7.30(4)(b).

Election inspectors must be able to read, write and understand the English

language. An inspector may not be a candidate for any office to be voted on at an

election at which they serve. Election inspectors must be qualified electors of the

county served by the polling place in which they work. Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2)(c).

Duties Election inspectors’ duties include but are not limited to setting up the polling

place, preserving order, registering electors, recording electors, issuing ballots,

monitoring voting equipment, counting votes, and properly completing the

required forms. Wis. Stat. § 7.37.


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Training Requirement Election inspectors are required to receive training from the municipal clerk within

two years of any election at which they serve. State law does not stipulate a

minimum number of hours per term or curriculum. It is the responsibility of the

municipal clerk to see that all election inspectors are provided with adequate

training for the performance of their duties and track the training they receive each

term. Wis. Stat. § 7.315(b)(1).

Chief Election Inspectors

Appointment and Qualifications For each polling place, one election inspector who has completed the required

chief inspector training is designated by the municipal clerk to act as chief

inspector. Even if more than one election inspector has completed chief inspector

training, only ONE election inspector per polling place should serve officially as

chief inspector at a given time. It is recommended that the municipal clerk NOT

serve as any type of election inspector. The municipal clerk is prohibited from

serving as any type of election inspector if he or she is on the ballot. Wis. Stat.

§ 7.30(2)(a).

The chief inspector must be a qualified elector of the municipality served by the

polling place at which they work unless no qualified candidate is available. Wis.

Stat. § 7.30(2)(a), EL 11.01(1).

Duties The chief inspector acts as liaison between the election inspectors and the municipal

clerk and is in charge of the polling place on Election Day.

Training Requirement Chief inspectors have the additional training requirement that they must attend

“Baseline Chief Inspector” training to be initially certified. Attending Baseline

training certifies the attendee as a chief inspector for all of the elections in the

current term. To recertify for the following term, a chief inspector must complete

at least six hours of Elections Commission-approved continuing election education

during the current term. Attendance at Baseline training also counts toward

recertification hours for the following term. Please see the agency website for a

list of approved methods for accumulating hours toward recertification of chief


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inspectors. The municipal clerk must track the training hours for chief inspectors

in their municipality. Wis. Stat. § 7.31(4), EL 11.02.

Clerks may administer the “Chief Inspector Self-Evaluation” developed by the

WEC to gauge their comprehension of election administration laws after

completing the training. The results of the self-evaluation will not affect the chief

inspector’s appointment or qualifications to serve. Municipal clerks may develop

their own evaluation tools.

Election Registration Officials (EROs)

Appointment and Qualifications

Municipal Clerks may appoint Election Registration Officials to conduct voter

registration at the polling place, at residential care facilities during the open

registration period, and in the clerk’s office during in-person absentee voting. An

ERO must be a qualified elector of the county for the polling place, residential care

facility or clerk’s office at which they serve. However, a non-resident clerk or

deputy clerk may serve as an ERO in case of a vacancy. EROs are appointed to a

two-year term. ERO terms run from January 1 of an even-numbered year through

December 31 of the subsequent odd-numbered year. The ERO is required to take

the same training as election inspectors. If an ERO will be filling in for an election

inspector (lunch, breaks, etc.), he or she must also be appointed as an election

inspector.

Duties EROs carry out the registration duties on Election Day. At particularly high-

turnout elections, EROs ease the election inspectors’ workload. Wis. Stat.

§ 6.28(1)(a).

Training Requirement EROs are required to receive training from the municipal clerk within two years of

any election at which they serve and take an oath. It is the responsibility of the

municipal clerk to see that EROs are provided with adequate training for the

performance of their duties. Wis. Stat. § 7.315(4).


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Special Voting Deputies (SVDs)

Appointment and Qualifications Special Voting Deputies (SVDs) are appointed by the municipal clerk to carry out

absentee voting at certain care facilities located in the municipality. Nominations

for special voting deputy positions may be submitted by the two dominant political

parties at the same time as election inspector nominations are submitted. If no

nominations are submitted, then the municipal clerk may appoint qualified electors

of the municipality without regard to party affiliation. At least two SVDs must be

appointed, if any.

SVDs are appointed by the clerk for one election term (January 1st of an even-

numbered year to December 31st of an odd-numbered year).

SVDs must be qualified electors of the county and may not currently be employed

by the facility or have been employed by the facility within two years of the

appointment. SVDs may not be an immediate family member of anyone currently

employed by the facility or employed by the facility within two years of the

appointment.

Wis. Stat. § 6.875.

Duties SVDs conduct absentee voting at certain care facilities and qualified retirement

homes. SVDs may register voters during open registration if they have also been

appointed and trained as Election Registration Officials.

Training Requirement SVDs are required to attend training every two years and must have attended

training within two years of any election at which they serve. Wis. Stat. § 7.315

(1)(a).

Related Materials The Absentee Voting in Residential Care Facilities and Retirement Homes manual

outlines procedures and requirements for Special Voting Deputies. This manual is

available on the agency website.


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http://gab.wi.gov/publications/manuals

Greeters and Tabulators

Greeters Each municipality may appoint one additional election inspector without regard to

party affiliation to act as a greeter and substitute for other officials as necessary on

Election Day. Greeters should acknowledge voters and assist them in opening the

doors if needed. Additionally, greeters should serve as a resource for answering

questions about the polling place and where an elector needs to go to register to

vote or receive a ballot. Greeters may not participate in the canvass after the polls

close. Unless acting as a substitute for an election inspector, greeters may not

participate in any official election inspector duties, e.g. canvass, voter registration,

issuing ballots. If acting as a substitute election inspector, greeters must be

qualified electors of the county for the polling place at which they serve.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(1)(b).

Tabulators Not less than 30 days before an election, the governing body may, by resolution,

authorize the municipal clerk to select and employ tabulators. Tabulators aid

election inspectors in counting and tallying votes at the end of the night.

Tabulators are to assist and be under the direction of the election inspectors after

the polls close. There is no residency requirement for tabulators. Wis. Stat.

§ 7.30(3)(b).

Oaths of Office

1. All election officials are required to take and file an oath.

2. Municipal clerks administer the oath of office at the time of appointment or at a training session to election inspectors (including chief inspectors),

special voting deputies, and election registration officials.

3. The oath must be filed before the commencement of the official’s duties.

4. The oath is valid for the entire term of appointment.

5. Substitute inspectors may be given the oath by another inspector, preferably the chief inspector, on Election Day at the polling place.

6. The following oaths may be obtained from the agency website or directly

from the Elections Division.


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a. Official Oath (EL-154): Filed by Election Inspectors, Chief Inspectors and Election Registration Officials, Greeters and Tabulators.

b. Oath of Special Voting Deputy (EL-155): Filed by Special Voting

Deputies.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30 (5).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are regular election inspectors required to take a certain number of training hours per two-year term?

Regular election inspectors (poll workers), election registration officials and

special voting deputies are required to receive some type of election training

every two years, but state law does not prescribe the curriculum or number

of hours.

2. Who tracks the training taken by municipal clerks and local election officials?

Municipal clerks are required to report their election training to the WEC

each term for tracking purposes. Clerks can report their training by

submitting the prescribed form available on the Commission website or by

entering the training into WisVote if the clerk is a self-provider of the

system. Municipal clerks track the training taken by their local election

officials, including chief inspectors, poll workers, special voting deputies

and election registration officials.


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http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/gab_forms/4/gab_154_official_oath_fillable_rev_9_99_pdf_20812.pdfhttp://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/gab_forms/4/gab_155_oath_of_special_voting_deputy_rev_12_09_pd_42754.pdf

PRE-ELECTION PREPARATIONS

Preparing to Serve

Your job as an election official is an important responsibility. Being familiar with

election laws and procedures before Election Day will ensure that you feel

comfortable and confident serving at the polling place. There are a number of

activities you can engage in to increase your knowledge and help prepare you for

Election Day.

1. Attend a training session

a. All election inspectors, election registration officials, special voting deputies, and election registration officials must attend or view a

training session at least once every two years.

b. You may not serve unless you complete training within two years of an election.

c. The municipal clerk, county clerk, or the Wisconsin Elections

Commission staff provides training sessions. If no training sessions

are scheduled in your area, request one from your municipal clerk.

d. The municipal clerk is responsible for maintaining training records for election officials.

Wis. Stat. § 7.315 (b)(1).

Note: Chief inspectors are required to attend the Baseline Chief

Inspector training class in order to be initially certified. Attending

Baseline training certifies the attendee as a chief inspector for the current

term. In order to recertify for the following term, a chief inspector must

attend at least six hours of Wisconsin Elections Commission-approved

continuing election education during the current term. (Attendance at

Baseline training also counts toward recertification for the following

term.) Wis. Stat. § 7.31(4).

For more information about election official training requirements, see

the “Qualifications for Election Officials” chapter of this manual.


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2. Read the Election Day Manual

a. Election inspectors should review this manual along with relevant election statutes before Election Day. Check the WEC website to

ensure that you have the most recent version of the manual.

b. A copy of the Wisconsin election statutes, Chapters 5-12, can be obtained from the municipal clerk or online from the WEC website.

c. If you will be responsible for registering voters on Election Day, you should review the Electors section of the Election Day manual.

Manuals can be obtained from the municipal clerk, downloaded from

the WEC website or ordered from the agency.

3. Consult with the municipal clerk

a. Determine how many election inspectors are needed.

The municipal clerk or the chief inspector should inform you of any

important changes that will affect the election and your job. You

should discuss how many election inspectors will be working on

Election Day and, if shifts will be used, who will be working and at

what time during the day. There must always be an odd number of

election inspectors working. Wis. Stat. § 7.30(1)(a).

The municipal clerk should identify any election inspectors appointed

by one of the two major political parties. The chief inspector must

ensure that any Election Day tasks which require completion by two

election inspectors are represented by each party, whenever possible.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2)(a).

b. Determine need for a greeter.

You should determine if there will be an additional person serving as

a greeter on Election Day. Greeters can be appointed regardless of

party affiliation and may temporarily serve as an election inspector to

cover breaks or unexpected absences; however, greeters may not

count votes or participate in the canvass after the polls close. Note: A greeter is not included in the total number of election

officials. Wis. Stat. § 7.30(1)(b).


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http://gab.wi.gov/clerks/laws-guidance

c. Designate an End of Line Officer.

The municipal clerk should designate an official of the municipality

(may be an election inspector, election registration official, employee

of the clerk, or police officer) to stand at the end of the line of

individuals waiting to vote, if any, at the time the polls close at 8:00

p.m. This person should be designated before Election Day. Wis.

Stat. § 7.37(13).

d. Review contingency plans.

The municipal clerk should have a contingency plan in the event of an

emergency situation. You, as an election inspector, should be familiar

with that plan and ask your municipal clerk how he or she would like

you to proceed in the event of an emergency. By identifying and

planning a response to some common emergency scenarios (fire,

power outage, etc.), the election inspectors will be better equipped to

handle the uncertainty caused by emergency situations. If a

contingency plan has not been shared with you, ask your municipal

clerk. Wis. Stat. § 7.37(1).

4. Visit the polling place

a. Familiarize yourself with the location. Be sure you know how to unlock doors and turn on lights if necessary.

b. Determine how the polling place will be set up. Decide where the

check-in tables, registration tables, voting booths, ballot boxes,

required postings, etc. will go prior to Election Day.

5. Familiarize yourself with the ballot and voting equipment

a. Know who the candidates are and which offices and referenda will appear on the ballot.

b. Be sure you are familiar with the voting equipment that will be used

on Election Day. You should be able to instruct a voter how to cast a

ballot on the machine. Wis. Stat. § 5.79.

6. Arrive at the polling place early

a. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the polls open at 7:00 a.m. You will need this time to ensure that everything is ready before

voters begin to appear.


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b. The municipal clerk may have specific instructions on the required time for arriving at the polling place on Election Day.

Polling Place Set-Up

Before the first voter enters the polling place, election inspectors should take the

time to make sure that the polling place is set up correctly and that they have all the

necessary supplies. The way a polling place is set up affects how easy it will be

for you to do your job and for voters to cast their ballots. The proper set up is one

of the most important elements to ensure that Election Day will run as smoothly as

possible. Wis. Stat. § 5.35.

Special Note Regarding Ability of School Districts to Close Certain Polling Places

Inspectors may find themselves conducting an election for people who do not

ordinarily vote at their polling place.

If no federal, state, county, municipal or judicial election is held on a day when a

school district is conducting an election or referendum, the school district may

choose to close a polling place and direct the voters from that polling place to vote

at another polling place in the school district. This commonly happens at spring

primaries but could also occur when the school district conducts a special election

or referendum. School districts use this authority in order to save on the cost of

poll workers and polling places.

If a school district closes a polling place, the inspectors at the “host” polling place

(the polling place at which the displaced voters have been directed to vote) conduct

the school district election for their usual voters as well as for the “guests” from the

closed polling place.

The election is conducted just as if the closed polling place was open: Separate

poll books, separate tally sheets and inspectors’ statements and separate results.

The “host” inspectors are able to register “guests” even if they are from another

municipality. The “host” inspectors deliver the materials for both polling places to

the municipal clerk as usual. If the closed polling place is in another municipality,

the municipal clerk will deliver the materials pertaining to the closed polling place

to the appropriate municipal clerk.

Wis. Stat. § 120.06(9).


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Layout

Prior to Election Day, the chief inspector should consult with the municipal clerk

to discuss the layout of the polling place. It is important to be familiar with the

flow of traffic and take a critical look at the polling place to make sure it will be

accessible for all voters, including those with disabilities.

When planning the layout of the polling place, consider the following:

1. Voting Booths

a. Every polling location is required to have at least one voting booth for every 200 electors who voted in the last general election.

b. One booth at every polling place must be at least 30 inches wide with

a writing surface between 28 and 34 inches high to meet accessibility

standards.

c. Election inspectors must be trained to set up electronic voting equipment, including accessible voting components.

d. Booths are required to be placed apart from other activities such as

checking in and registering.

e. All booths must be placed together in the same vicinity, including the booth(s) containing the accessible voting equipment.

f. Booths must have a surface on which to write and be sufficiently

enclosed to ensure privacy for the elector. The accessible booth must

also be sufficiently enclosed to ensure privacy for the elector.

Consider using a privacy shield or position the booth/equipment so

that it is facing away from the view of the room.

g. Appropriate marking devices (pencils, pens, etc.) for use with the voting equipment, if any, must be provided.

Wis. Stats. §§ 5.35(2), 5.78.

2. Ballot Boxes

a. If paper ballots are used, one ballot box is required for each type of ballot used in the election.


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b. If direct recording electronic (DRE) equipment is solely used at the polling place, a single ballot box for hand-count paper ballots (such as

absentee, assisted, and challenged ballots) is required.

c. There must be a supply of paper ballots available at the polling place in case of challenges to a voter’s eligibility, provisional voting, if a

voter requests a paper ballot, or if the electronic voting equipment

should malfunction.

d. If electors from more than one reporting unit use the same polling place, there should be separate ballot boxes provided for each

reporting unit.

e. The ballot boxes should be clearly labeled to indicate which ballots are to be deposited.

f. There should be a suitable lock and key for each ballot box.

Wis. Stats. §§ 5.35(3), 5.40(4), 5.40(5). 5.15(6)(b)

3. National Flag

The American flag must be displayed on an outside pole or in the voting

area during all hours the polling place is open. Wis. Stat. § 5.35(1).

4. Tables and Chairs

a. It is recommended that there be a separate table solely for Election Day registration away from the area where registered voters check-in

to help regulate the flow of traffic.

b. You should ensure that there are enough tables and chairs for election inspectors to conduct their work.

c. Additional chairs should be available for voters to use as needed.

5. Signs

a. Traffic in the polling place can be improved by posting “Enter,” “Exit,” and “Voter Registration” signs. In addition, signs marking the

accessible path should be prominently posted and easy to read from

the parking lot.

b. Directions that instruct voters to state their name and address, provide proof of identification and sign the poll book can make the check-in

process more efficient.


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6. A Designated Observer Area

Observers are individuals who wish to exercise their right to be present at

the polling place on Election Day. Anyone, other than a candidate, has a

right to be at a polling place to observe the conduct of the election.

Wisconsin law does not prohibit non-U.S. citizens or foreign nationals from

observing the election process.

a. A designated observation area at the polling place should permit observers to readily observe all public aspects of the voting process.

When physically feasible, the observation area should be no less than

3 feet, or more than 8 feet from the table where electors are

announcing their name and address, signing the poll list and being

issued a voter number and the table where Election Day registration is

occurring. Observers should be placed so that they can hear the

interactions of voters with election officials, but not so that they

interfere with the voting process.

b. If necessary, additional observer areas may be established in other areas of the polling place to allow for observation of other public

aspects of the voting process (challenges, ballot box security, etc.).

Wis. Stat. § 7.41(1).

Polling Place Accessibility

Attention needs to be given to the special needs of electors with disabilities. It is

important to examine the entire polling place, from the parking lot to the entrance

of the polling place to the voting area, to assess any areas where temporary

accommodations may be needed. Your municipal clerk should have reviewed the

polling place for accessibility prior to Election Day and will have submitted a

Polling Place Accessibility Survey to the Wisconsin Elections Commission

indicating compliance with accessibility standards. An Election Day Accessibility checklist is available on the WEC website. The

WEC highly recommends using this checklist or reviewing the Polling Place

Accessibility Survey completed by the municipal clerk to ensure accessibility on

Election Day. You should consult with your municipal clerk if you are unsure if

the polling place is accessible.


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Some common problems to look for:

1. If there is an alternate entrance used by voters with disabilities, the pathway to the accessible entrance should be clearly marked and a sign posted at the

primary entrance directing voters with disabilities to the accessible entrance.

2. Be sure that if off-street parking is available at the polling location, that any accessible parking spots are marked with appropriate signs and access aisles

are clearly designated.

3. Some doors are too heavy to be opened by the elderly or voters with disabilities. Such doors should have automatic openers, if designated as the

accessible entrance. A greeter or election inspector positioned by the door to

assist if needed or a notification device such as a doorbell can also ensure

accessibility.

4. A voting booth that is accessible to electors in wheelchairs must be set up. This booth must be at least 30 inches wide with a writing surface between 28

and 34 inches high in order to meet accessibility standards. A wheelchair

accessible table may meet this requirement if supplemented with a privacy

screen.

5. Accessible equipment must be set up in the accessible voting booth in a manner ensuring privacy for voters choosing to use the equipment.

Wis. Stats. §§ 5.36, 5.25(4)(a), 5.40(1).

Voting Equipment

The State of Wisconsin uses three types of voting systems: (1) hand-count paper

ballots, (2) optical scan systems, and (3) direct recording electronic (DRE) systems

(also known as “touchscreen”). Many municipalities use a combination of these

systems.

1. Municipalities with a population of 7,500 or more are required to use electronic voting equipment in every ward in every election.

a. Electronic voting equipment, including optical scan and DRE, is

equipment that tabulates votes electronically.

b. Ballot marking devices, such as the AutoMARK, do not tabulate votes. Therefore, it is not considered electronic voting equipment.

Wis. Stat. §5.40(1).


22

2. All polling places must be equipped with at least one accessible voting equipment component to permit all voters to vote privately and

independently. Any voter, regardless of ability, may use this equipment.

HAVA §301(a)(3)(A).

3. Election inspectors should be trained on how to use the voting equipment.

a. Know how to turn on and turn off the equipment.

b. Be able to explain to an elector how to cast a ballot on the equipment.

c. Be able to properly load and unload the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT), also known as the paper roll, on electronic equipment.

d. Know who to call if you experience problems with the equipment.

4. Election Day Security Procedures

a. If the municipality uses electronic voting equipment, the municipal clerk should record the serial numbers from the tamper evident seals

on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104).

b. The chief inspector compares the serial numbers recorded on the inspectors’ statement to the serial numbers on the security tags on the

machine at the beginning and end of the day. The chief inspector

should initial in the spaces provided to confirm that the checks were

completed and the seals were intact.

c. The municipal clerk may have additional security procedures for the election inspectors to follow.

d. The municipal clerk should be contacted in the event of a security breach.

5. Election Day Zero-Count Requirement

a. Before any ballots on Election Day are cast on the electronic voting

equipment, the election officials shall witness a test of the tabulation

component by engaging the printing mechanism and securing a

printed result showing a zero count for every candidate and

referendum.


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b. The zero-count printout should not be separated from the remainder of the roll. Leave the printout attached to the roll.

Wis. Stat. §5.84(2).

Polling Place Supplies & Materials

A Polling Place Checklist is provided at the end of this section. This checklist is

an excellent tool for ensuring that all of the necessary supplies and materials are at

the polling place on Election Day.

1. Election Day Forms and Supplies

Election inspectors should ensure that the municipal clerk has provided all of

the required forms and supplies.

a. Ballots and Sample Ballots: Two sample ballots for each ballot style should be posted at the polling place. Blank ballots should be kept

secure and in the possession of election inspectors at all times.

b. Ballot Bags (EL-101): A ballot bag/container should be provided for each ballot style.

i. For example, for municipalities that hand-count paper ballots,

there should be (per reporting unit) one ballot bag for county,

state, and federal ballots; one ballot bag for municipal ballots;

one ballot bag for school district ballots; and one ballot bag for

each referenda and special district ballot.

ii. Where optical scan or direct recording electronic (DRE) ballots are used, only one ballot bag (per reporting unit) is necessary

because all offices and referenda are on a single ballot style.

Wis. Stat. § 7.51(3)(a), (b).

c. Envelope for Rejected Certificate Absentee Ballot Envelopes (EL-102): Election officials place all rejected Absentee Ballot Certificate

Envelopes (EL-122) in this brown carrier envelope. It is completed

by the election inspectors and returned to the clerk who provided it for

that election. Wis. Stat. § 6.88(3)(b).

d. Envelope for Used Certificate Absentee Ballot Envelopes (EL-103): Election inspectors place all used Absentee Ballot Certificate


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Envelopes (EL-122) in this white carrier envelope after determining

they have been properly executed and after removing the absentee

ballots. The used envelope is returned to the clerk who provided it for

that election. Wis. Stat. § 7.51(3)(d).

e. Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104): All challenged, spoiled, damaged, defective, remade, objected to and rejected ballots must be

documented using this form. This statement should provide an

accurate account of the election inspectors’ decisions concerning all

ballot irregularities, and describe any other occurrences or

irregularities at the polling place (that may or may not affect the

validity of the election). Wis. Stat. § 7.51(4)(a).

f. General Purpose Tally Sheet (EL-105): Election inspectors or tabulators use this form for counting hand-count paper ballots and

recording the number of votes cast for each candidate. This includes

write-in votes, or in the case of a referendum, the yes and no votes.

Where optical scan ballots are used, a write-in tally sheet is used to

count and record write-in votes. Wis. Stat. § 7.51(4).

g. Municipal Canvass Report (EL-106): The municipal board of canvassers completes this report, certifies the municipal election

results, and officially determines the winners. In municipalities with

one ward or where all wards vote at a single polling place and results

are combined, the election inspectors constitute the municipal board

of canvassers for that election. Wis. Stat. § 7.53(1).

h. Poll List and Supplemental Poll List (EL-107): (also known as the poll list, voter list or the registration list): The poll book contains the

names and addresses of registered voters in a ward or combination of

wards. Each ward or combination of wards will have two poll lists,

which must be maintained identically on Election Day. Election

inspectors use poll lists to ensure only registered voters cast a ballot,

and to capture certain information about each registered voter who

receives a ballot. Wis. Stats. §§ 6.36(2)(a), 6.79.

Note: Voters need to sign only one copy of the poll list. All voters

should sign the same poll list.

i. Registered Write-In Candidate List: A list of registered write-in candidates for federal, state and local offices. Candidates must

register by 12:00 p.m. the Friday before the election to be considered


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registered write-in candidates. The municipal clerk should supply

elections inspectors with a list of registered write-in candidates on

Election Day. The list may be given to any elector who inquires about

the list, but may not be posted.

j. Ineligible Voter List: The list of felons in a county or municipality that are currently under the Department of Correction’s supervision.

These individuals are on probation, parole, or extended supervision.

k. Inspectors’ Certificate of Provisional Ballots (EL-108): Election inspectors use this envelope to secure any provisional ballots voted on

Election Day. Wis. Stat. § 6.97(3)(a).

l. Election Observer Form (EL-109): Individuals who wish to observe the conduct of the election and/or election administration event should

legibly list his/her full name, street address and municipality, and the

name of the organization or candidate the observer represents, if any.

The observer shall also sign this form acknowledging the observer

understands the rules and will abide by them. Additionally, an

observer must present photo identification to an election inspector.

Any type of photo identification is acceptable so long as it features a

photo of the observer and the observer’s name. An election official

shall verify by marking on the EL-109 that the observer’s name listed

on the EL-109 matches the photo identification. If the information on

the photo identification does not match the information on the

observer log, the individual shall not be permitted to serve as an

observer. Wis. Stat. § 7.41(1).

m. Order to Leave Polling Place (EL-110): In the event that a chief inspector orders an observer to leave a polling place, the chief

inspector shall provide this written order to the observer which

includes the reason for the order and the signatures of the chief

inspector as well as another election inspector representing the

opposite political party, if available. The chief inspector shall have

sole authority to order the removal of an observer, but the other

election inspector may note his or her concurrence or disagreement

with the decision on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104). Wis. Stat §

7.41(3).

n. Election Observers Rules-At-A-Glance: This brochure is available from the agency website. It is a summary of the rules for election


26

http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/gab_forms/4/eb_108_inspectors_certificate_of_provisional_ball_14083.pdf

observers and a copy should be provided to all individuals who wish

to observe the conduct of the election and/or election administration

event. Wis. Stat. § 7.41(5).

o. Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelopes (EL-123): Each provisional

ballot is placed in a separate provisional ballot certificate envelope.

Every provisional voter must complete the certification and seal his or

her ballot inside the envelope. Wis. Stat. § 6.97 (3)(b).

p. Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r): Election inspectors use

this form to record the details of each provisional ballot issued on

Election Day. Wis. Stat. § 6.97(3)(a).

q. Absentee Ballot Log (EL-124): This form should be used to track

absentee ballots at the polling place to indicate whether the vote was

counted. Wis. Stat. § 6.88(1), (3)(b).

r. Presidential Only Ballot Forms: Presidential elections require two

additional forms. These forms are used for individuals who moved to

Wisconsin less than 28 days before a presidential election. These

individuals are eligible to vote in the presidential contest only.

i. Authorization to Cancel Registration - New Wisconsin Resident

(EL-139)

ii. Application for Presidential Ballot (EL-141)

Wis. Stat. § 6.18.

2. Voter Information and Notices

All of the notices, statements, and postings should be placed together in the

polling place so that they can be easily read by electors entering the polling

place or waiting in line to vote.

a. Notices: Relevant portions of the voting instructions from the Type B

notice, the text of the Type C notice for each referendum if applicable,

and the Type D notice of polling place hours must be posted.

b. Sample Ballots: Two copies of each type of ballot.

c. Statement of Election Fraud (EL-111): This statement sets out the

laws and applicable penalties for election fraud.


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d. Notice of Crossover Voting (EL-112): This is a statement explaining the effect of crossover voting at a partisan primary and is posted at a partisan primary only. The EL-112m should be used in municipalities that use optical scan voting equipment.

e. Notice of the Effect of Overvoting (EL-113): This is a statement explaining the effect of overvoting in a particular contest and how to obtain a replacement ballot if a voter makes a mistake.

f. Effect of Crossover Voting at a Presidential Preference Primary (EL-114): This notice informs voters at a Presidential Preference

Primary that they may only vote once and for a candidate in only one political party.

g. Voter Qualification Poster (EL-115): This notice explains the requirements for an individual to be a qualified elector.

h. Instructions for First-time Voters (EL-116): This notice is no longer used. It explained the requirement for first-time voters who registered before April 4, 2014 by mail and did not provide proof of residence.

i. Voting Rights (EL-117): This notice provides general information on voting rights protected by federal law.

j. Contact Information (EL-118): This posting provides electors with contact information if they have concerns with the voting process. The blank sections should be filled in before Election Day by the municipal clerk.

k. Ward Maps & Street Directory: A ward map clearly indicating all the wards in the municipality served by that polling place must be prominently displayed. A street directory that indicates which streets are in each ward along with the location of the polling place in each ward is recommended.

Wis. Stats. §§ 5.35(6), 10.01, 10.02, 10.06.

3. Additional Materials

a. Provisional Voting Information Sheets: Information sheets instructing

voters who vote provisionally the procedure they need to follow in

order to have his or her vote counted.


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b. Ineligible Voter Information Sheets: Information sheets instructing

voters whose names appear on the Ineligible Voter List of the

procedure they need to follow if they wish to cast a ballot.

c. Writing Instruments: An adequate supply of writing instruments

should be provided. Make sure any felt tip markers secured to the

voting booth are in working order, and adequate for write-in voting.

If your polling place uses optical scan machines, be sure you have a

supply of marking devices that will work with your equipment.

d. Election Laws: A copy of Chapters 5 through 12 of the Wisconsin

State Statutes should be present at all polling locations.

e. Election Day Manual: A copy of this Election Day manual should be

available for quick reference by poll workers. A copy of the manual

can be downloaded from the WEC website or ordered from the

agency.

Wis. Stat. § 5.35(6).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if the optical scan machine or the direct recording electronic (DRE)

machine isn’t working?

The municipal clerk should have provided you with the necessary contact

information to troubleshoot equipment problems. A supply of paper ballots

should be available in the event of equipment malfunction. Any unusual

incidents with the voting equipment should be noted on the Inspectors’

Statement (EL-104).

2. What if the polling place is not accessible in some way for voters with

disabilities?

You should attempt to make the polling place as accessible as possible. The

municipal clerk should be contacted and a notation should be made on the

Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104). If a voter is unable to enter the polling place

due to their disability, you may administer a curbside vote. The municipal clerk

should remedy the problem before the next election. Wis. Stats. §§ 5.36,

5.25(4)(a), 5.40(1).


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3. What can I tell voters about a referendum?

Voters asking about referenda should be referred to the posted copy of the Type

C notice containing the text of the referendum and an explanatory statement of

the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote.

4. Should I post the names of write-in candidates?

No. Names of write-in candidates are not posted at the polling place. If asked

by voters about write-in candidates, the inspectors may give voters a list of

registered write-in candidates.

5. What is a voter-verified paper audit trail?

Wis. Stat. § 5.91(18), requires that all direct recording electronic (DRE) voting

systems produce a complete, permanent paper record showing all votes cast by

the elector. The voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) is considered the

official ballot and is to be used in a recount of each vote cast by the elector.


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Supplies:

Poll Book

Supplemental (Election Day) Poll List (EL – 107)

Proper Ballots

Ballot Boxes

Pencil or proper marker for each voting booth

Ballot bags with Ballot Container Certificate (EL-101) affixed

Envelope (brown) for rejected absentee ballots with Certificate (EL-102) affixed

Envelope (white) for Used Absentee Certificate Envelopes with Certificate (EL-103) affixed.

Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104) & Challenge Documentation (EL-104c)

General Purpose Tally Sheet (EL-105)

General Purpose Canvass Report (EL-106)

Envelope for Provisional Ballots (EL-108)

Election Observer Log (EL-109)

Order to Leave (EL-110)

Election Observer Brochure

Provisional Ballot Certificate Envelopes (EL-123)

Provisional Ballot Reporting Form(s) (EL-123r)

Provisional Voting Information Sheets for electors

Absentee Ballot Log (EL-124)

FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, Authorization to Cancel Registration (EL-139)

FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, Application of New Wisconsin Resident for

Presidential Ballot (EL-141)

Election Day Manual

Copy of Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 5-12

Original Ballots Envelope

Spoiled Ballots Envelope

Posted Notices:

Type B Information to Electors

Type C Notice of Referendum

Type D Polling Place Hours and Locations

Two samples of each ballot type

Election Fraud Notice (EL-111)

FOR PARTISAN PRIMARY, Notice of Crossover Voting (EL-112, paper ballots; EL-

112m, electronic voting equipment)

Notice of Overvote (EL-113)

FOR PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE, Notice of Crossover Voting (EL-114)

Voter Qualification Poster (EL-115)

General Information on Voting Rights Under Federal Laws (EL-117)

Contact Information (EL-118)

Ward Map and Street Directory

Location:

Displayed American Flag

One entrance clearly marked as accessible for people with disabilities

Verify seals and serial numbers on accessible voting equipment and initial verification on EL-

104

Verify seals and serial numbers on electronic voting equipment (optical scan) and initial

verification on EL-104

At least one voting booth for every 200 electors who voted in the last general election

Voting equipment counter set at “0”

Area designated for observers

Separate area for voters to register at the polling place

Table inside door for poll book (enough room for 2 election inspectors)

Accessible Voting Equipment powered on

Polling

Place Checklist

✓


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ELECTORS

Summary

Interactions with electors, both positive and negative, influence the public’s

confidence in the ability of election officials to administer elections in Wisconsin

fairly. As an election inspector, it is your responsibility to ensure that every

eligible elector can participate in the democratic process.

Voter Qualifications

In order to register to vote, an individual must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen

2. Be age 18 or older on or before Election Day

3. Have resided in an election district or ward for 28 consecutive days with no present intent to move, before any election where the citizen offers to vote.

Wis. Stat. § 6.02(1).

Residency

An individual’s residency in a ward or municipality is determined by the individual’s

physical presence and present intent to reside in that location for voting purposes. In

order to initially claim residency, a voter must establish a physical presence in a location

with the intent to make that location his or her residence for voting purposes.

1. Temporary Presence/Absence

a. Residency is not lost when a person leaves “home” and goes to another location temporarily with intent to return “home”. Persons

who have temporarily left their homes are still residents of the “home”

municipality despite their temporary absence. Wis. Stat. § 6.10(5).

b. Residency cannot be established in any ward, town, village, or city in this state while living there for temporary purposes only. Wis. Stat.

§ 6.10(8).


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2. Intent to Return

a. Once residency is established, a person may be temporarily absent and still be considered a resident, as long as he or she intends to return.

Wis. Stat. § 6.10(5).

b. A person may end their residency by leaving their residence and doing something that establishes they no longer intend to reside at their old

residence (e.g., registers to vote at another address). Such a person

cannot continue to vote at his or her previous residence without re-

establishing residency. Wis. Stat. § 6.10(10).

3. Student Status

a. Student status is not to be used as a factor in determining residence. A student may choose to establish residency in the municipality where

he or she lives to attend school, or the student may consider his or her

stay in the municipality to be “temporary” and intend to return to his

or her former municipality. Wis. Stat. § 6.10(4) and (12).

b. If a student registers to vote in the municipality where he or she attends school, the student loses his or her residency in his or her prior

municipality and must re-establish residency in the prior municipality

before he or she would be eligible to register to vote there in another

election. Wis. Stat. § 6.36(1)(d).

4. “Part-time” Residents

a. A person may only vote in one municipality each election. In order to vote in a municipality, a person with part-time residency in a

municipality must intend that his or her physical presence in the ward

or municipality establishes residence for voting purposes. Wis. Stat. §

6.10 (1).

a. Merely owning property in a municipality is not sufficient to claim residency. A person must have established a physical presence paired

with the intent to make that address their permanent residence.


34

5. New Residents

a. A person who has not resided in any ward in Wisconsin for at least 28 days should be advised to check with their former state of residence to

inquire as to any voting options they may have as former residents of

that state. Alternatively, in Presidential elections, new residents of

Wisconsin may vote a Presidential-only ballot by submitting a

completed Application for Presidential Ballot (EL-141) to either the

municipal clerk in the 27 days before the election or to the election

inspectors at the polling place for their new address. Wis. Stat.

§ 6.15(1), (2)(a).

i. The voter must also complete an Authorization to Cancel Registration (EL-139), which the clerk must send to the proper

election official for the new resident’s former municipality.

ii. Proof of Residence is required.

iii. No voter registration (EL-131) is required.

iv. Proof of identification is required.

v. The EL-141 may be submitted no earlier than 27 days before the election and shall be received not later than 5:00 p.m. on the

day before the election when delivered to the clerk’s office.

vi. The EL-141 may also be submitted on Election Day at the polling place.

Wis. Stat. § 6.15(2)(a), (b).

6. Former Residents

a. If ineligible to qualify as an elector in the state to which he or she has moved, any former Wisconsin resident may vote a Presidential-only

absentee ballot in their former municipality and ward of residence in any

presidential election occurring within 24 months of leaving Wisconsin by

submitting a completed Application for Absentee Presidential Ballot (EL-

140) to their former municipal clerk.


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i. No voter registration (EL-131) is required.

ii. No proof of residence is required.

iii. Proof of identification is required.

iv. There is no fixed deadline for receipt of the EL-140. The EL-140 must simply be received “in sufficient time for a ballot to

be mailed and returned prior to the election.”

Wis. Stat. §6.15(2).

Other Common Residency Scenarios

Voter Situation Voting Location

Has moved from one ward to another in the same

municipality at least 28 consecutive days before an

election

In the new ward. Wis. Stat. § 6.02(2).

Has moved from one municipality to another at least

28 consecutive days before an election

In the new municipality. Wis. Stat. §

6.02(2).

Has moved from one ward to another in the same

municipality less than 28 consecutive days before an

election

In the old ward. Wis. Stat. § 6.10(3).

Has moved from one municipality to another less

than 28 consecutive days before an election

In the old municipality. Wis. Stat. §

6.10(3).

Has moved to a different ward, or state temporarily,

with intent to return

In the ward or municipality from which

they moved. Wis. Stat. § 6.10(8).

Lives in one ward or municipality and conducts

business in another

In the ward or municipality where the

individual lives. Wis. Stat. § 6.10(6).

Lives in a public or private facility, such as a federal

or state institution, county home or hospital, nursing

home or group home

In the municipality where the facility is

located

or

in the municipality of residence before

entering the facility. Wis. Stat. §

6.10(7m).


36

Voter Situation Voting Location

Is on active duty as a member of the armed forces

serving in the U.S. or overseas

In the municipality or ward of residence

before entering the armed services. Wis.

Stats. §§ 6.10(6) and 6.24(2).

Is the spouse or dependent of a member of the armed

forces

In the ward or municipality of residence

of the military elector

or

if a Wisconsin resident, municipality, or

ward of residence before entering the

armed services. Wis. Stat. § 6.10(13).

Is a civilian overseas employee of the U.S.

Government

In the municipality or ward of residence

before entry into federal employment.

Wis. Stat. § 6.22(2)(a).

Is a U.S. Citizen living outside the United States with

no present intent to return

In the municipality or ward where they

last resided or where their parent last

resided before leaving the United States.

Wis. Stat. § 6.24(2).

Disqualification of Electors

The following persons shall not be allowed to vote in any election:

1. Any person convicted of treason, felony, or bribery that has not been pardoned or completed the terms of his or her sentence including any term of

probation, parole, or extended supervision. Wis. Stat. § 6.03(1)(b).

2. A person who has been determined by a court to be incapable of understanding the objective of the elective process or who is under

guardianship, unless the court has determined that the person under

guardianship is competent to exercise the right to vote. Wis. Stat.

§ 6.03(1)(a).

a. The court order granting guardianship should specifically declare if the person is incompetent to exercise the right to vote. If the order

does not include a specific finding of incompetency, the person retains

the right to vote.


37

3. Anyone who has made or become interested, directly, or indirectly, in any bet or wager depending upon the result of the election. Wis. Stat. § 6.03(2).

Recording Voters

Properly recording voters is essential to maintain the integrity of the electoral

process. Two election inspectors maintain two duplicate original poll lists, also

known as poll books, voter lists or registration lists, for each reporting unit. A

reporting unit is a ward or combination of wards that reflect the way election

results are transmitted to school districts, the county, and the Wisconsin Elections

Commission. When the polls close, the poll lists will reflect the activity at the

polling place on Election Day. It is essential that the election inspectors carefully

record the required information on the poll lists.

Poll Lists

The poll lists contain the names and addresses of registered voters in a reporting

unit. The municipal clerk will provide poll lists to each polling place. These poll

lists have been generated from WisVote, which is Wisconsin’s statewide database

for tracking voter registrations. Wis. Stat. § 6.36.

Each reporting unit will have two poll lists, which must be maintained identically

by the election inspectors on Election Day. Election inspectors use poll lists to

ensure only registered voters cast a ballot and to capture certain information about

each registered voter who receives a ballot. Wis. Stat. § 6.79(1m).

Each elector must sign the poll list before receiving a ballot. Only one of the poll

lists should contain the signature of each voter for that election. Wis. Stat. §

6.79(2)(a).

Poll lists (EL-107) may consist of up to four parts:

1. Regular Poll List: Contains the names of all electors who register by 5:00 p.m. on the 20th day before the election.

2. Pre-printed Supplemental Poll List: The municipal clerk may provide a

printed list that contains the names and addresses of all voters who

registered during late registration. Late registration is from the 19th day

before the election up to 5:00 p.m. the Friday before the election. Electors

who register during this time will receive a Certificate of Registration (EL-

133) to be presented at the polling place on Election Day. Wis. Stat. §

6.29(2).


38

Note: If a late registrant fails to present his or her Certificate of Registration

(EL-133), but his or her name is on the supplemental poll list, the registrant

is allowed to vote. If the individual fails to present his or her Certificate of

Registration (EL-133) and his or her name does not appear on the

supplemental poll list, the election inspector should attempt to contact the

municipal clerk and determine if he or she has record of the elector’s

registration. If there is no record of the elector’s registration in the clerk's

office, then he or she must complete another Voter Registration Application

(EL-131) and provide proof of residence before being allowed to vote. Wis.

Stat. § 6.29(2)(b).

3. Handwritten Supplemental Poll List: Election inspectors must enter the name, address, and Election Day voter number of Election Day registrants

on the handwritten supplemental portion of the poll list. The type of proof

of residence provided as well as the name of the issuing entity or

organization should also be recorded here. Wis. Stat. § 6.79(2)(c), (d).

4. Confidential Elector List: If there are any confidential electors in the reporting unit, their names and confidential voter identification numbers will

appear at the back of the poll list in a separate section. See the “Confidential

Electors” section below for more details. Wis. Stat. § 6.79(6).

Poll List Notations

There are a number of notations that will appear on the pre-printed poll lists as well

as a number of notations that election inspectors are required to make on both

copies of the poll lists to ensure proper documentation of voters and registrants on

Election Day.

1. Pre-Printed Poll List Notations

The pre-printed portion of the poll list may contain certain notations to

indicate special circumstances. Possible notations include:

a. Absentee Issued or Absentee Returned i. Municipalities must track absentee ballots on the pre-printed

poll list. The clerk shall also provide each polling place an

Absentee Ballot Log (EL-124).

ii. The absentee notation indicates that an absentee ballot was issued to the voter or returned by the voter.

b. Military or Overseas c. Confidential


39

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Absentee Ballot Issued Process

i. If an individual noted as “absentee” appears at the polling place, the inspectors should check the Absentee Ballot Log

(EL-124) to determine if the ballot has been returned.

1. If it has been returned and there are no errors that would cause the ballot to be rejected, the voter may not vote at

the polling place. Wis. Stat. § 6.86(6).

2. If it has been returned and there are errors that would cause the ballot to be rejected, the voter may only correct

the error. The voter may NOT vote a new ballot at the

polling place.

a. The election inspectors shall issue a new certificate envelope to the voter.


40

b. The voter must open the original certificate envelope, verify their ballot, and seal the ballot in

the new certificate envelope.

c. The voter may NOT remove the ballot from the voting area.

d. The election inspectors may NOT serve as the witness (the original witness must be present).

e. The original certificate envelope is then destroyed.

f. The election inspector should document that a correction was made, and the ballot accepted on

the Absentee Ballot Log (EL-124).

3. If it has not been returned, the election inspectors ask the voter, “Did you mail or personally deliver your absentee

ballot to the clerk’s office?”

a. If “yes,” the voter cannot vote at the polling place.

b. If “no,” the voter is issued a ballot if otherwise qualified.

4. If an absentee ballot is later received for that voter, the elector’s absentee ballot would be processed as a rejected

absentee ballot and the clerk contacted immediately.

Wis. Stat. § 6.86(6).

2. Election Day Notations

The election inspectors must make certain notations on the poll list next to

the voter’s name to identify voters who vote under the following

circumstances:


41

a. Absentee Indicate “absentee” or an “A” next to the voter number for an

elector whose absentee ballot has been processed.

b. Provisional (Section 6.97)

i. Indicate “PV#__ (beginning with ‘1’) when recording an elector who votes a provisional ballot.

ii. The complete PV# should be recorded on the poll list, on the

back of the ballot, on the Provisional Ballot Certificate

Envelope (EL-123), on the Inspectors’ Statement (EL-104), the

Provisional Ballot Reporting Form (EL-123r), and on the

Provisional Voting Information Sheet for the elector.

iii. A brief explanation of why the provisional ballot was issued should also be recorded on the poll list:

1. DL# or DMV ID# 2. POI

Wis. Stat. § 6.97

c. Challenged Indicate “Challenged” and a brief explanation of the reason for

challenge (age, residency, etc.) when recording an elector who

votes a challenged ballot.

d. Assisted

i. Indicate “Assisted” for an elector who receives assistance in marking his or her ballot.

ii. The full name and address of the individual providing

assistance must also be recorded on the poll list.

e. Ballot Received at Poll Entrance (Curbside Voting)

Indicate “Ballot Received at Poll Entrance” for a voter who

receives a ballot at the polling place entrance because the voter is

unable to enter the polling place due to a disability. Wis. Stat. §

6.76.

f. Electors Voting Pursuant to Court Order (Section 6.96)


42

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i. Indicate “Section 6.96” when recording an elector who votes after the polls close pursuant to a court order.

ii. An elector entering the polling place after 8:00 p.m. will also

have his or her ballot marked with the notation “Section 6.96.”

This enables ballots cast after the polls closed pursuant to the

court order to be removed from the count in the event that the

court order is set aside.

iii. Note that voters in line by 8:00 p.m. should not be marked pursuant to this section.

Wis. Stat. § 6.96.

g. Presidential Only

i. Indicate “Presidential Only” on the supplemental poll list when a new Wisconsin resident (someone who has lived in the state

less than 28 days) wishes to vote for president.

ii. These electors must complete the Application for Presidential Ballot (EL-141), not the Voter Registration Application (EL-

131).

iii. These individuals must provide proof of residence. The type of proof of residence and the name of the issuing entity or

organization should be recorded on the supplemental poll list.

iv. These individuals must provide proof of identification.

Wis. Stat. § 6.15.

Election Day Registration

Ensuring that all eligible electors are properly recorded and registered on Election

Day builds confidence in the election process. All electors must be registered

before being issued a ballot and all electors who cast a ballot must be recorded on

the poll or supplemental list.

If an elector has not registered prior to Election Day, he or she may register at his

or her polling place. The WEC recommends that a separate table be set-up at the

polling place to register voters. This practice can reduce waiting times for many

electors and better manage the flow of traffic.


43

http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/gab_forms/4/gab_141_applicationforpresballot_newwires_08_00_pd_70064.pdfhttp://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/gab_forms/4/gab_141_applicationforpresballot_newwires_08_00_pd_70064.pdf

To register at the polling place on Election Day:

1. The elector must complete a Voter Registration Application (EL-131).

2. The elector must provide proof of residence.

Note: The Voter Registration Application (EL-131) has detailed instructions on

the back of the form that can serve as a guide for proper completion. Proper

completion of the EL-131 will reduce the amount of work for the municipal clerk

after Election Day and ensure the voter will appear on the poll list for future

elections. Wis. Stat. § 6.33(1).

Voter Registration Application (EL-131)

Proper completion of the Voter Registration Application (EL-131) will ease the

process of entering information into WisVote and ensure the voter will appear on

the poll list for Election Day. It is the responsibility of the municipal clerk to

notify an elector of any insufficiency in their voter registration application within 5

days, if possible. A customizable letter template (EL-132) is available for this

purpose. There is an updated version of the EL-131, which this manual will

outline. However, any version of the EL-131 should be accepted as long as it

contains proper information.

Front Side of Voter Registration Application

1. Qualifications

a. Registrants must be able to check each of the four boxes in this section. Wis. Stat. § 6.02.

b. The registrant may be 17 years old if they will be 18 years old by the time of the next election.

2. Your Name

a. The registrant should provide their full name as it is printed on the Proof of Residence document they provide.

3. About You

a. Date of Birth

i. Month, day, and year of birth is required. Voters should be encouraged to use all four digits of their year of birth, but if


44

http://gab.wi.gov/forms/gab-131-english-fillablehttp://gab.wi.gov/forms/gab-132

someone writes the last two digits, the application should not be

denied.

b. Contact Information (OPTIONAL)

i. Any phone or email address provided is subject to open records requests.

4. The Address Where You Live

a. This is the voter’s address where they vote from, which may be different than their mailing address.

b. This section will also be used to indicate military or permanent overseas statuses.

i. Military – A member of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine of the United

States, Peace Corps, the commissioned corps of the Federal

Public Health Service, the commissioned corps of the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, civilian employees

of the United States and civilians officially attached to a

uniformed service who are serving outside the United States,

and any spouse or dependents of the above who are residing

with or accompanying them.

ii. Permanent Overseas – A U.S. Citizen who is not disqualified from voting and is qualified to vote except for residency, but

who last resided (or whose parent last resided) in Wisconsin

prior to residing outside the United States. Permanent overseas

voters should provide the last address in Wisconsin either they

or their parent last resided before permanently moving

overseas.

5. Your Mailing Address

a. If the registrant does not receive mail at the residential address, a mailing address should be provided. Failure to provide a valid

mailing

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